Seaton in Devon is a charming coastal town that comes to life at Christmas with light displays, festive workshops and a Polar Express tram ride that’s perfect for kids
Seaton is gorgeous for a weekend getaway(Image: Getty)
When it comes to Christmas holidays, if you’re looking to get away you might think of snowy Lapland or the bustling festivities of London.
However, there is one charming UK town that comes to life at Christmas.
It’s a true hidden gem in Devon and has plenty to explore over the festive season – as well as plenty of cosy cottages and pubs to warm up in and enjoy.
This stunning spot is Seaton on the east coast of Devon, a quaint fishing village that goes all out at Christmas.
There’s light displays, Christmassy workshops and a lovely welcoming community who are more than happy to show you around their beloved town, reports the Express.
Gemma Matthews, owner of Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, said: “There’s always plenty of events to experience in the run-up to the big day. Everything from wreath-making workshops, to pantomime and even Christmas park runs.
There’s really something for everyone to enjoy!”.
“The shopping at Seaton’s independent shops, Christmas fairs and markets is always a real highlight – it gives the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and sample some of our local produce.”
If you have little ones, or you’re a kid at heart, then you can’t miss Seaton’s own Polar Express – a festively decorated tramcar that serves up hot chocolate and treats before taking riders to the ‘North Pole’ where they can meet Santa and his elves.
Gemma said: “The tramway is a must-visit at this time of year, their Polar Express ride will leave little ones in awe! Just like in the story, every guest gets to take home a silver sleigh bell, which is such a lovely memory of Seaton to look back on in years to come, to keep the magic alive.”
Should you time your visit perfectly, you’ll be able to witness the annual illumination of the Christmas lights which occurs on November 30 at 5:30pm.
Gemma remarked the lights transform the entire town into something resembling a fairytale scene “straight from a Christmas card.”
She added: “It’s quieter here in the winter compared to the summer months, but that just adds to the cosy, small-town charm and offers a much-needed tranquil escape from the bustling city markets and festive tourist hotspots frequently visited at this time of year.
“If you’re looking for an enchanting Christmas visit, Seaton is a must.”
A grotto visit can offer so much more than just meeting the man in red. Many Santa’s grottos now include a range of activities and experiences in the ticket price, giving you a full day of festive family fun
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Santa will soon be opening his grotto doors(Image: James Manning/PA Wire)
Meeting Father Christmas is essential in the lead-up to the festive period. However, many families want a grotto visit that offers far more than simply handing over their Christmas list.
Many Santa experiences now feature a variety of activities included in the admission cost, providing families with an entire day of seasonal entertainment.
Countless grottos and Christmas attractions have emerged in recent years, offering distinctive and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a summary of some of the most exciting ways to meet Santa, whether aboard a festive train or within a grotto in a historic castle.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Millennial mums and dads who remember watching the 2004 film The Polar Express will undoubtedly love this immersive seasonal experience as much as their kids. Don your Christmas pyjamas and climb aboard the themed train where you’ll be welcomed by staff dressed as characters from the film, such as the Conductor.
As the train, adorned with Christmas decorations, departs the platform, there will be interactive performances, festive treats, and more to savour onboard. And just like in the picture, Santa will stop by each youngster on the train to present them with a silver bell, showing that they still believe.
The Polar Express proved enormously successful in 2024, with one reviewer who experienced the London Euston service commenting: “We had the best experience from start to finish last year, the show was so interactive and there was never a dull moment”.
Locations: London Euston, South Devon Railway, Spa Valley Railway, Kent and Wensleydale Railway, Yorkshire
Prices: From £59.95 per person
Lapland UK
Lapland UK is a ‘fully-immersive’ Christmas experience that takes families on a magical four-hour journey through an enchanted forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous elves and partake in activities ranging from a visit to the Lapland Toy Factory to Little Rudi’s Stables, where you can meet the reindeer.
A white Christmas is always guaranteed at Lapland UK, courtesy of its snow machines, offering an experience as close as possible to a trip to the North Pole without boarding a flight. There’s ice skating, festive shows, and much more to explore, and naturally, your adventure concludes with a visit to Father Christmas and a cherished keepsake photo.
Since 2007, Lapland UK has been based in Ascot, and this year it’s also launching in Manchester, spreading the festive cheer to even more people.
Locations: Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, and Capesthorne Hall, Manchester
Prices: From £75 per person
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Hamleys
Hamleys, self-described as the world’s largest and oldest toy shop, is the ideal place to meet Santa and gather some inspiration for your Christmas shopping. The Regent Street store is adorned with Christmas lights for the festive season, going all out with glittering decorations, and features six floors of toys to peruse.
Once your children have compiled their Christmas list, they can visit Santa in his Hamleys grotto and will receive a special gift bag to take home.
Location: Hamleys, Regent Street, London
Prices: Starting from £65 for a group of three (one adult and two children, or two adults and one child)
Christmas at Warwick Castle
The historic Warwick Castle is set to host Christmas at the Castle. Here, youngsters will not only get to meet Santa but also enjoy a cosy storytime session with him.
The castle will be adorned with festive decorations and lights. Besides meeting Santa, families can enjoy an ice rink, a festive food and drink village, and a brand-new Christmas light trail within the grounds.
There are also Santa Sleepover packages on offer where you can stay at the castle and enjoy an elf wake-up call, evening entertainment, and more.
Location: Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Prices: Daytime entry plus stories with Santa starting from £29 per person, ice skating from £8pp, light trail from £17pp
Eden Project
The Eden Project’s Biomes will be illuminated for the festive season, with Father Christmas making a visit to the Cornwall-based attraction. Visitors to the unique botanical gardens will be treated to an immersive experience, culminating in a visit to Santa and a special keepsake to take home.
On selected dates, the park will extend its opening hours, allowing visitors to witness its transformation into a twinkling winter wonderland. Each Biome will offer its own festive experience; for instance, the Mediterranean Biome will feature a light show and festive music.
Additionally, there will be a Christmassy undercover ice rink, and festive food available for purchase in the cafes.
Location: Par, Cornwall
Prices: Visits to Father Christmas start from £16 per person, light trail from £5.50pp, ice skating from £11 per adult. Entry to the Eden Project for adults starts from £38, children from £12, under-fives go free
Father Christmas at London Zoo
Why not mix a trip to Santa’s grotto with a day at the zoo for the ultimate Christmas-themed family day out?
London Zoo offers a variety of packages for those wanting to meet Santa. Little ones can simply enjoy some Christmas crafts before their meet, or you can upgrade to a deluxe package which includes an immersive quest in the attraction’s new ZooTown play area.
You can also opt for the Meet Santa VIP Breakfast, which allows you to enter the zoo at 8am before normal opening, with a special tour before the crowds arrive.
